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Learning Objective 1: To understand the care needs of elders with chronic conditions.
Learning Objective 2: To understand care needs from family perspective.
Methods: This was a qualitative study. Subjects diagnosed with chronic diseases were recruited using purposive sampling approach. Ten elders with chronic conditions were interviewed individually with an interview guide to explore care needs. Meanwhile, a focus group with 6 family members was led by the investigator to explore the needs of family members taking care of elders with chronic conditions. Data were analyzed through content analysis method along with constant comparison technique.
Results: A total of seven themes were found from the individual interviews, distressed health problems, support of home life, diet and nutrition, financial and welfare, social activities, concerns and expectations, and medical resources. Three themes were sorted out from the focus group discussion, problem response and resolving, medical recommendations and the sources of health care information.
Conclusion:
The needs of elders with chronic conditions include physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects. More important issues were the use of medical resources and social welfare. Providing resources for family members to take care of elders with chronic conditions need to be considered. In design for care of elders with chronic condition, diversity of care services and accesses of care services are most important issues.